In Loving Memory of Heineken
(Dec 1995- Jan 2008)
Heineken, our cat of 12 years, passed away tonight. He went from being healthy to gravely ill in a matter of a few days and was diagnosed this morning with advanced lymphoma. A battery of expensive treatments would have cost a fortune and extended his life a few months at best, but he was miserable and we didn’t want to prolong his suffering. We got to pet him and hold him as the doctor put him to sleep. It was very peaceful.
Heineken came into our lives six months after we started dating and has lived in every home Amy and I have ever shared. We love our pets dearly, and it’s amazing to think how intertwined your lives become—we knew Heineken’s habits as well as our own, and I’m already missing having him curl up in my lap when I sit down to read; it will be strange to not have him snuggling in Amy’s hair tonight when we go to bed.
Some people don’t understand how you can love an animal so much. I don’t know how you can love them any less. This hurts.
We picked out some of our favorite photos from the last few years. Click here to go have a look.
We love you, little man. Always have, always will.
Current Mood: Grieving | 
9 Comments
Trent and Amy,
Thanks for sharing you pictures and your grief. We only really realize how much a pet or person means to us when we no longer have them with us. We are so sorry to hear of Heineken’s passsing.
Barb and Jim
Thank you. We’re doing better today, and I expect we’ll be better yet tomorrow but we’re still pretty upset. Glad you liked the pictures. Heineken was a special kitty and we’ll miss him.
I just hung up the phone with you. We loved Heineken too, and feel the loss tremendously. Please know that you did the right thing, but what the mind says is best is not always what the heart says. I know you would have loved to have had Heineken around for many more years, but sometimes those decisions are not ours to make. Grieve openly, share his memory with everyone, and try to think of the happy times. We are thinking about him, too. He’s in a better place free from pain and discomfort now. We love you.
Very sorry to hear about Heinekin’s passing.
Thanks, mom. That means a lot.
Thanks too, Andy. I appreciate it.
Sorry to hear the bad news, TeeHee. Heiner ruled the roost, to be sure. Hug Mueller for me.
Yes, Heiner was definitely the boss of the place. Thanks, Swenson. I am overdue for giving you a call.
Whether they go fast or sudden or slow, it still isn’t easy, even when you know it’s the right thing to do. And yet, not only will you go on, you’ll probably do it to yourself again sometime. After all, it wouldn’t do for YOU to think you’re the boss of the place for very long… (grin)
Take care,
Dr. Phil
Phil, I figured that a long-time cat lover such as yourself has had to go through this a number of times, and I have no doubt that it’s never easy. Thanks for the thought, and the temptation to bring a new fuzz ball into the house has been great.